I have used linux as a development platform for several projects, and I was less than impressed.

I have also played around with BSD, and I was much more impressed by that.
it was properly documented, all configuration tools / software just worked, and it did what I expected.
Have a look at PC BSD, which some say to be a windows-user userfriendly open source unix.

Now I have to say that I still use and develop only on windows.
I never experience any of the instability other people sometimes mention. But then again I only install a limited amount of software and don't install banners, screensavers, toolbars, .... so my system stays clean.

That being said, If I start to use open source, it'll probably be BSD because a system without up to date documentation is &*%^&*%& as far as I am concerned.